"The Artist'' (2011 movie)- Review

Directed by: Michael Hazanavicius
Released: 2012
Country: France

Main cast: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, Uggie, James Cromwell, Missi Pyle, Penelope Ann Miller


Genres: Romantic Comedy-Drama

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review

If you are thinking of a movie which will touch your heart, and make you smile and shed a tear, then watch ''The Artist''. Yes, I started the review by writing this as it is just what I felt about ''The Artist''. I saw this movie yesterday and I liked it- maybe not just I liked it, in fact I loved it! The film is not very lighthearted, yet not complicated, yet very deep.

The film's protagonist is George Valentin. He is a famous film star of the silent era. He has many fans. Everybody knows him. An aspiring young actress, Peppy Miller, is selected to be an extra in one of his films. Having met her (who was just an audience) in the premiere of one of his films and humorously receiving a kiss from her, George and Peppy are delighted to see each other. Slowly, Peppy begins to earn success, her roles eventually become minor roles, then supporting roles, and then eventually to major roles.

The year is 1929. As sound films are becoming much more popular, the studio stops making silent films. George, however, refuses sound films. After his own silent film (directed, produced and acted by himself) becomes a big flop, he slowly loses his wealth and even his wife divorces him. He isn't able to pay his servant so he fires him. While his times are so difficult, Peppy goes on impressing people and stars in so many different sound films, and she becomes one of the most famous stars. But then what happens?
  
The film explores life, ups and downs of life, sorrows, and love. It is a gentle romantic comedy, perhaps one of the sweetest, deep and powerful films released in 2011.
 
A thing I haven't pointed out yet: ''The Artist'' is a black-and-white silent film. In almost all the scenes, you hear only music, not a single dialogues. Intertitles are frequently present. It is a homage to the silent films and the silent era. Remember ''Hugo'', the film which was a tribute to the brilliant filmmaker Georges Melies? ''The Artist'' is a tribute to the silent era as a whole.

George Valentin loses his wealth and almost fame. But however, many people still do remember him, his works. Jean Dujardin plays his role well and sometimes his strong performance brings the character to life, and his sorrow may bring a tear in your eye. Bérénice Bejo is similarly wonderful as the rising star. John Goodman and Penelope Ann Miller give considerable support in the roles as the boss of the studio and George Valentin's wife respectively. 

But a very remarkable performance is given by Uggie, as Jack, the dog of Michael Valentin. The dog remains faithful forever, never leaving his master's side. I was impressed by the faithfulness of this dog.

The black-and-white cinematography is quite charming. The background music is simply wonderful. 

''The Artist'' is a mixture of romance, comedy, seriousness, and overall, it is a tale of life, it is a tale of the ups and downs that come in our life. While it is able to bring tears in your eyes with the sorrows that come in the life of the protagonist, similarly it will also bring a smile in your face. And finally, don't miss ''The Artist''! It'll will be one of the most exciting and amazing romantic comedies!

5 out of 5!